Let's start by saying that this year's Breeders' Cup is one of the toughest to handicap in many years, with deep, wide-open fields, none of which, except perhaps one, have a clear-cut favorite that stands far above the others

Although the Hall of Fame trainer is closely associated with the legendary Cigar, he has always had that 'je ne sais quoi' with the fillies, including Breeders' Cup contenders Emollient and Close Hatches.

The Breeders' Cup unveiled its pre-entrants for the 31st World Championships the morning of Oct. 22 at Santa Anita Park, with 201 horses named for the 13-race festival Friday and Saturday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

After finishing fourth as the favorite in the Spinster Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland, Juddmonte Farms' Close Hatches will try to bounce back in the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park.

Join Lenny Shulman as he talks with the legendary Nick Zito. Zito talks through Keeneland's new track surface, shares thoughts on his top horses, and gives a tip on one of his top 2-year-olds. Learn why the Breeders' Cup still looks exciting.

In a movie, Belle Gallantey's rags to riches 2014 season would end with a victory in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), but in real life her connections are taking time before committing to the race.

Don't Tell Sophia, last rounding the far turn, roared down the stretch to register her first grade I victory in the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes Oct. 5 on the Keeneland main track as overwhelming favorite Close Hatches fizzled.

Close Hatches took command on the opening turn and never looked back in the $500,0000 Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I), romping over a muddy track at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 22 for her third grade I triumph in a row.